US proposed SECURE Act targets China’s dominance in critical minerals

US proposed SECURE Act strengthens supply chain resilience

The US proposed SECURE Act aims to reduce China’s grip on critical mineral supply chains.
Lawmakers introduced the bipartisan bill to create a $2.5 billion Strategic Resilience Reserve.
The reserve would support domestic mining, processing, and stockpiling of key minerals.

China controls over 60% of global rare earth mining and nearly 90% of processing capacity.
Meanwhile, China dominates refined lithium, graphite, and cobalt markets.
As a result, US policymakers now view critical minerals as a national security priority.

The US proposed SECURE Act focuses on materials essential for electrification and defense.
These materials support clean energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, and advanced technology.
Therefore, the bill aligns economic resilience with industrial and security policy.

US proposed SECURE Act and market impact

The legislation responds directly to China’s market influence on pricing.
China flooded lithium markets, which pushed global prices sharply lower.
Consequently, many Western lithium projects lost economic viability.

In rare earths, China imposed export curbs that tightened supply.
Those restrictions pushed prices higher and increased market volatility.
However, US lawmakers want to stabilize supply through strategic stockpiling.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Todd Young sponsored the bill.
Representatives Rob Wittman and John Moolenaar led the House effort.
The bicameral approach signals strong political alignment early in the process.

Path to legislation and strategic design

The US proposed SECURE Act creates an independent government corporation.
A seven-member board would manage the Strategic Resilience Reserve.
The President would appoint members with Senate confirmation.

The bill introduces new authority rather than amending legacy stockpiling laws.
It prioritizes US-based projects and domestic supply chains.
Meanwhile, it also supports recycling and unconventional mineral feedstocks.

The framework targets minerals with near-total US import dependence.
It may allow approved foreign projects using Development Finance Corporation support.
Partner governments could also contribute capital with board approval.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The US proposed SECURE Act marks a strategic shift in mineral policy.
Washington now treats critical minerals as infrastructure, not commodities.
Stockpiling could stabilize prices while supporting domestic investment.
However, execution speed will determine real market impact.
Global producers should prepare for tighter US sourcing rules ahead.